Adam

WHAT IS IT ABOUT BLACK CATS? I was rescued awhile ago from the streets of Mountain View, but no one has been interested in adopting me probably because they think I'm just another ordinary black cat. Life is tough if you're a black cat: at shelters, we're the last to get adopted, and the first to be put to sleep. But my mom and dad, who've been rescuing cats for almost 20 years, believe black cats are especially beautiful and REALLY smart. In England, black cats are considered lucky and white cats unlucky; the opposite is true in the U.S. -- go figure!

As for me, I follow my mom around (actually I'll follow anyone around) and lean against her when she scoops my box. I also like to place my paw on her hand while she scoops, in case she forgets I'm there! As a matter of fact, I'm always by her side. I'm the first to play with a toy, the first to sit in an available lap, and the first to eat at the food bowl. My mom thinks I'm the best cat ever. Won't you give me a chance -- I don't care what color you are!

Baby

Attention animal lovers! My name is Baby. I'm from a little back yard in Los Altos, CA. I'm not gonna lie, it was a pretty uncomfortable living situation, so now I am looking for a loving home!

Here's a little bit about me. I like toes… a lot! If you have them, I will lick them. I don't discriminate. In fact, I love everyone and everyone's toes. I also love string, sticks, fake mice, bags, boxes, and any other object that will keep me entertained.

I have three siblings: Beau, Bob and Boo. I am definitely the instigator of the bunch. If there is trouble, I caused it. If there is roughhousing, I started it. What can I say? I love to play, and I have a way of inspiring those around me to do the same. Will you play with me?

Clover

Let me tell you all about me! Let's face it, I'm gorgeous, and don't mind telling you so. I'm very chatty, and adore men, even though my human mom has taken exclusive care of me since I arrived at her house. My past, which I don't really like to discuss, was rough: I was raised by a hoarder, and had 20 or so kittens (awful that I can't remember my own children!) by the time I was 2 years old. Eventually the hoarder could no longer care for all of us, and all my kittens were adopted, but no one wanted me, so the folks at Fat Cat took me in.

When I first arrived I felt I had to compete for food and attention, for that's how my life had been. But the Fat Cat people loved me and reassured me, and I am now very loving and sweet. I don't care for other cats, and kittens, well I've had enough of them! I love to stretch out on the couch and nap and receive visitors, and would make a great cat.

Faith

I might be little, but I'm a force to be reckoned with. I'm the smallest of the "F Troop" -- the gang of 6 that was rescued from the Forum, a retirement community in the Cupertino foothills. Mom gave us all names beginning with the letter F.   I got my name because when I first arrived I was sick and forgot to eat, and got pretty skinny.  They didn't know if I would live, but had faith that I would make it.  Anyway, I'm extremely playful (Mom calls me an imp) and love people and get along great with other kittens and cats. Since I'm little I'm often picked on, and when that happens I usually run and hide behind Mama Lee or Dubya. I'm not a fighter!

You might have noticed my coloring. When I was born I was all black, but as I grew my coat turned to a smoke color. It's now kinda salt-and-pepper and I can't predict what on earth it'll look like in a year. Maybe I'll be all white!

Finian

My sister Faith and I we're a team.  We both have that funny smoke coloring.  But she is all salt-and-pepper, and I well, only half of me (the bottom half) is salt-and-pepper. My top half is all black.  I don't know which color is going to win out, and what my final color will be, but it's kinda fun changing color!  The other kittens are jealous.

I too like people, and always come over for pets and hugs. I'm gentle, and am very careful when I play with Faith cuzz she is little.  I can't wait to have a home of my own.  Adopt me now and watch me grow and change color!

Fuzzy Wuzzy

My family surrended my boy, Pi, and me. We didn't do anything wrong; the lady we were living with said she just didn't have the time to look after us. My foster dad says she and her daughter don't know what they are missing!

It takes me a little while to warm up to other cats, but I like people just fine. I'm very sweet, if I say so myself. Although I don't really need any other feline companionship, I won't bother other cats if they don't bother me!

Gus

I was living on the tough streets of East Palo Alto when I got into it with another cat. I'm a lover, not a fighter, and this cat had a mean left hook and caught me across the eye and nose and boy did that hurt! I was recuperating from my fight when a kind man spotted me and called the Fat Cat people for help; he knew I wouldn't survive on my own. Thanks to the kind folks at Veterinary Vision, my eye has healed up just fine, so I can see normally again! Whew!

When I first arrived at my foster home, my eye was still healing and I didn't see so good. I was afraid of the other cats in the house (can ya blame me) because I was certain I was gonna get beaten up again, but it turned out the cats were real nice, and I was able to relax and trust again.

I really love my foster dad, and can be seen trotting after him and meowing while he does his chores. I like to roll around on the floor at his feet and purr up a storm while he pets me. How can I thank him for all he's done?

What I'd really like is a home of my own. I think I'd like to be with another cat cuzz I do get lonesome, but the other cat is gonna have to be real nice and gentle, just like me. He'll have to be a lover -- not a fighter!

Hazel

I had a rough start. I was found all alone, covered in lice, sitting on the sidewalk in front of an apartment complex in Hayward, crying my eyes out. My mom and siblings had been trapped and taken to the pound the day before, and I didn't know what to do. A really nice person who was moving out of the complex spotted me and called the people at Fat Cat, who whisked me away and took care of me.

I've always been sweet and nice; I'm really no trouble at all. But be forewarned: I'm smart. Really smart. I figure things out. Don't think you can hide that cat toy atop the bookcase, or a canned food tin in the wastebasket under the sink: I'll find it. Finished with that crinkly candy wrapper? Great -- I'll snatch it off the end table, bat it around the floor. When I'm finished, I'll hide it until next time.

I like to sleep on mom or dad, and I like all the other cats. I'm really good at making biscuits (kneading), and move my paws back and forth so quickly, my mom says I make instant biscuits! 

Jasmine

My brother Jasper and I were rescued from a dumpster in Santa Clara. We were starving, and my mom lead us all to the dumpster, in hopes of finding something to eat. Some nice people noticed us and left us food, and contacted the Fat Cat people, who took us in.

I WAS THE FIRST ONE TO PURR. I purred before the Siamese, before Shannon and John Mark, even before Mr. Darcy. Not like my brother, who was scared for a long time, and wouldn't go near humans. I knew a good thing when I saw it.

I'm outnumbered: I'm the only girl amongst Theo, Mr. Darcy, Bingley, Shannon and John Mark. Sometimes I retreat to the bathtub or a quiet corner to get away from the boys, and all their goofy "exploring." I prefer the company of humans, and love to be held and petted. Won't you take me home?

Jasper

My sister Jasmine and I were rescued from a dumpster in Santa Clara. We were starving, and my mom lead us all to the dumpster, in hopes of finding something to eat. Some nice people noticed us and left us food, and contacted the Fat Cat people, who took us in.

It took me a long time to be brave enough to let a human pet me. But once they did -- WOW! -- I loved it. Now I run to them to be petted, and really like to have my belly scratched. I pal around with the Siamese boys, Theo and Bingley, but like to sleep with my sister, Jasmine. She doesn't really like to play with us, since she is the only girl. Jasmine and I are "classic" tabbies, which means we have thick stripes that swirl on our sides. I don't mean to brag, but we're very attractive, and are really hard to tell apart.

I'd like a home with another kitten or cat; I know I'd get lonely all by myself.

John Mark

I was named in honor of John and Mark, two firemen who rescued my brother from a storm drain. John and Mark were big guys, and they spent alot of time down in the big pipes trying to figure out where my brother was, and trying to coax him along (he wouldn't have any of it). Boy were they brave! They're my heroes!

Anyway, you're probably wondering what happened to my whiskers. I'm not sure whose chewing them, but I suspect those darn Siamese. They're kinds sneaky and think they're special. I'm the smallest of the play group (though I'm quite stocky), and don't like to argue with them. My favorite thing to do is to drag the dirty clothes (especially socks) into the litter box!

Mama Lee

A few months ago I had 5 beautiful babies in some bushes in a backyard in San Jose. My owners had moved, and I was left to fend for myself. The couple who found us only wanted my kittens -- not me! -- so the Fat Cat people took me in. At first it was a shock not to have my kittens; I missed them terribly.

But I found my calling.

I soon realized there was no point in moping around; there was work to be done. Other kittens needed my love and attention, and I quickly took on the task of looking after every kitten and adult cat. I clean everyone (even the adult cats) and nurse every kitten. I supervise their play, and tell them not to play rough with Scrappy or Faith. It's quite a job, and takes all my time. When I finally do get my own time, it's wonderful. I love to be petted and brushed and held. I'm very sweet and have alot to say. But after a few minutes of being petted I get back to work: a kitten beckons, and I'm off to assist. I'd really like a home of my own, and it would be really great if I could also have a kitten to take care of. Caring for others is my thing!

Mimi

I was the first girl of our family to decide that people are OK (in fact they're really nice!). Yup, one day I just got up my courage and slowly walked over to my rescue mom. I didn't know what to expect, but my brothers gathered around me and purred, and my mom reached down to pet me and POOF I was hooked -- it's nice getting petted and held by a human!

I like everybody, and I'm not scared of anything. I'm a dark tortoiseshell, meaning my black, orange and cream colors are all mixed up. Only girl cats can have our coloring, and I think I'm beautiful and special. You never know where God is going to put those splashes of color!

Mr. Darcy

OK, I'm not exactly the most handsome cat on the planet. And I can't compete in the looks department with my Siamese siblings, Lizzy, Zoe, Theo, and Bingley. But I'm sweet; very, very sweet.

I recently broke my leg leaping off my litterbox (don't ask; it's too painful to talk about), and I'm on the mend, and follow the other foster cats around the house during my daily parole from my cage. I'm kinda gangly and long-limbed and uncoordinated, but I love to play, and I'm really attached to my mom, who has taken care of me while I recuperate. Many thanks to the people at Veterinary Surgical Associates for putting me back together!

O'Leary

Boy am I glad to be out of the wilds of Woodside. I woulda gotten eaten by a coyote or somethin' up there. Kindly Mr. O'Leary noticed me and my brother and sister on his deck, and called the Fat Cat people for help. I was named in his honor.

My sibs O'Malley and O'Doul have been adopted, but I'm still waiting for a home, and I gotta say I'm doing my  darndest to get adopted by being adorable and cute and sweet.  I hope someone falls in love with me soon -- being so sweet and agreeable and fawning over humans is exhausting for a cat.   I have a very special tail -- it's very long, and flops over my back, and swings to and fro when I walk.  All the other cats are jealous. 

My most recent pastime is snoozing atop the computer router; it's nice and warm and has several blinking lights that are interesting.  From that vantage point I can keep an eye on what's happening.  Mimi is my good buddy, and we often hang out together.  But I'm really a people cat.

Pi

Pi is a delightfully gregarious little boy. "Pi" could be short for "piglet" as eating is his second favorite activity after socializing! Or it could be short for Private Investigator as this is one inquisitive little fellow who is here there and everywhere. Mr. Personality has the rare gift of being able to dive into a room with other cats he has never met and be greeted warmly by one and all with only polite sniffs all round. He's even willing to share his toys. He loves people even more than hanging out with other cats and when he is purring in your lap he'd prefer to have your undivided attention. He likes to sleep on the bed by his foster dad's head. He was given up for adoption along with his mother, Fuzzy Wuzzy, because his previous human companions "didn't have time" to take care of him. They have no idea what a source of joy they have let slip through their fingers!

Scrappy

When they first fished me out of the juniper bushes I was really mad, and put up quite a fuss. But if ya really want to know, I was scared, and in alot of pain. See, me and my sisters were born outdoors and lived in those juniper bushes. Next to the bushes was a fence. The fence had a small hole in it, and one day I put my little leg through that hole and a dog in the next yard attacked me and took off my leg. A week passed, and the kind people who were feeding noticed me and called the Fat Cat people, who took me in, and helped me.

I get along just fine without my leg, and play with the other kittens. But sometimes they play a little too rough, and that's when I retreat to the sidelines and take it easy. My mom says I'm really an easy cat, and that I need lots of TLC, and would do well in a quiet home.

Needless to say, I don't like dogs.

Shannon

Now I know you've probably heard some hard-luck stories, but you won't believe my story. I was rescued from a storm drain! Yup! You see, I was minding my own business and all of a sudden WHOOSH! I fell down a storm drain alongside a street. Lucky for me there wasn't any water in there. Anyway, I cried and cried and some people heard me and called the Fat Cat people, who called the fire department and lo and behold they arrived in their big white truck. The firemen were named John and Mark, and their captain was a lady named Shannon. Captain Shannon got into the drain and pulled me out. I was named in her honor, because she plucked me from the drain and saved my life. My brother, John Mark, was named in honor of John and Mark.

I'm a very sweet and mellow little boy, and play gently with the other kittens. I'm no trouble at all, and really like to be petted.

Simon

We're stars! Maybe you didn't get a chance to see our pictures in the Los Altos Town Crier, but we made the FRONT PAGE! Look here! We're local celebrities! That's my brother, Simon, being held by mom, and dad is holding me.

We were rescued from a nice lady's yard in Los Altos. Next door to the lady's house, a new house was being built, and we kept running and hiding in the house during construction, even hiding in the newly-installed kitchen cabinets. It was great fun! Anyway, the owners of the house under construction didn't share our enthusiasm, and decided we needed to get outta there, since it was very dangerous. The lady asked the Fat Cat people to rescue us and find us homes. Our momma was a Siamese, and that's where we got our big ears!

I'm very sweet and friendly and curious, and am very gentle. I really love my brother, Sydney, and hope we can go to a new home together. 

Snickers

My brother, Socrates, couldn't figure out that being indoors with regular meals and a safe place to run and play is a good thing! He kept hiding when dad brought in food and wanted to play with us. So he went back to live in the garden where we were born and a kind lady looked after us. Me, I'm ready for a new adventure, new people and a forever home!

I get on well with the other super energetic kittens and mellower big cats who live with me at the moment. I enjoy talking with you if you have the time to chat! On the other hand if you rub my belly I can forget the chit-chat and just purr up a storm!

Sunny

Hello, Lap-o-holics Anonymous? I think I have a problem. See, anytime there's a lap I have to be in it. I'll crawl over anything and anyone to get there and I don't care how big or mean they might be. And purring! I can't seem to stop. Didn't I see on TV that I'm supposed to see a doctor if my purr lasts more than four hours? Someone call 9-1-1!

Scott and I were born in the bushes in a parking lot at Sun Microsystems (below Scott McNealy's office). He and I love being indoors where it is warm and I get my daily lap fix. Scott likes laps now too, so we have a little friendly competition and rarely sit still when there's a lap available. I love Scott and would like to stay with him.

In case you didn't know, life is tough if you're a black cat: at shelters, we're the last to get adopted, and the first to be put to sleep. But my mom and dad, who've been rescuing cats for almost 20 years, believe black cats are especially beautiful and REALLY smart. In England, black cats are considered lucky and white cats unlucky; the opposite is true in the U.S. -- go figure!

Got a lap? Here I come!

Sydney

We're stars! Maybe you didn't get a chance to see our pictures in the Los Altos Town Crier, but we made the FRONT PAGE! Look here! We're local celebrities! That's my brother, Simon, being held by mom, and dad is holding me.

We were rescued from a nice lady's yard in Los Altos. Next door to the lady's house, a new house was being built, and we kept running and hiding in the house during construction, even hiding in the newly-installed kitchen cabinets. It was great fun! Anyway, the owners of the house under construction didn't share our enthusiasm, and decided we needed to get outta there, since it was very dangerous. The lady asked the Fat Cat people to rescue us and find us homes.  Our momma was a Siamese, and that's where we got our big ears!

My nickname is "Velcro" because the moment anyone comes in and visits, I'm on them like, well, you know... If they don't happen to notice me (it does happen), I nudge them with my nose, and burrow my head in between their arm and their body. That usually works. If they still haven't noticed me -- by this time something must be wrong with them -- I'll flop down on their feet, so if they wanna go anywhere they'll HAVE to pet me!